In: Economics
Should there be repercussions to individuals and/or businesses for posting false reviews of products or services?
Companies may implant fake reviews to influence consumers to buy their products. They may emphasize the advantages of their own product or criticize the product or service of the competition. Furthermore, certain systems in search engine optimization would rate businesses higher if they have more favorable feedback. Therefore, adding more favorable comments will help counteract unfavorable feedback and slant the product or service's star or numerical ranking.Degrading the competitor is a more malevolent reason for fake reviews. Through posing as a former competitor 's client, the analysis may seem more plausible than any derogatory comments made by the itsel organization
Issues involving false comments are treated mainly by the enforcement of state laws or common law at the state level. In a related way, state attorney generals or people will help spearhead lawsuits against businesses that the attorney general believes using false web reviews. False claims for advertising may arise if the conduct of the company meets the elements of the torture in the jurisdiction applicable. Another state tort that may apply is when fake reviews are used to discredit a competitor's products or services. In that context, defamation suits may arise. At the federal level, the FTC is in charge of these matters
Such conduct may be governed by the FTC or a similar
governmental entity for companies doing business in other
countries. Where a business is caught in violation of applicable
laws, rules or regulations, the FTC may have the power to impose
substantial fines.
In addition to other specific State regulations, the existing rules
of professional conduct also regulate attorney ads. Advertisements
from lawyers may have to include certain disclaimers in the
advertisement regarding their services and the content.